Olympic medallist Sally Pearson welcomes a baby girl, Ruby

Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson has welcomed her first child, a daughter named Ruby.

Pearson shared the news on her social media accounts on Wednesday evening, writing: "We would like to introduce you all to Ruby Elizabeth Pearson."

The post included a photo of the retired hurdles champion and her husband Kieran Pearson in hospital with their newborn daughter.

Pearson announced her pregnancy on social media in January, five months after retiring from professional athletics in August 2019.

"My husband Kieran and I are pleased to announce that we are expecting our first child," she captioned a photo of the pair holding a sonogram and a pair of baby shoes.

"To start the next chapter of our lives with such joy and love is more than we could've ever hoped for."

Pearson has been documenting her pregnancy on Instagram, with photos and thoughts about her experience of preparing to become a mother.

"People always talk about the joy and excitement they get when expecting a baby, I don't think you can truly understand this feeling until it happens to you," she wrote in February.

"It's been 18 weeks and I am slowly feeling and seeing the changes my body is going through.

"So far it's been a very smooth ride for me, my only complaint is having insomnia for the last week."

In April, Pearson wrote: "Even though time feels like it's going in slow motion, I'm not going to wish the time away, I'm going to live in the moment and enjoy the journey. See you soon little one."